Wild about adventure, adrenaline rushes or just want to get outdoors? Kilkenny has a myriad of epic places guaranteed to give you the ultimate outdoor experience.
All of these activities have different levels of difficulty depending on your desire for adrenaline and adventure.
From Ireland’s longest over water zip-line to an electric array of guided tours – here are our top five to get you started:
1. Visit the ‘prettiest village in Kilkenny’
Featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s list of most beautiful towns and villages in Ireland, Inistioge is a postcard perfect stop during your trip to Kilkenny. Famous for being the backdrop of many Hollywood flicks, including the 1995 film ‘Circle of Friends’ featuring Minnie Driver. The 19th century village square is very well-kept by the locals who are proud to call this romantic village home. Inistioge comes to life every Summer with native flowers in full bloom, the emerald green countryside
The 10-arched stone bridge is a wonderful sight, grab coffees in the nearby truck and head down to the river to enjoy the peaceful environment of the Nore Valley. The allure of Inistioge is simple, it is a beautiful village that is surrounded by the flourishing natural world.
Located just up the hill from the village square is Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum. Set on over 50 acres of formal garden and parkland, Woodstock Gardens provides a tranquil day out for all ages. The marvellous Turner Conservatory houses the Tea Rooms which operate from May to September every year. Bring the kids to the sensory friendly, accessible adventure playground, amble around the winding trails or take a walk down to the remains of Sandford Castle for a postcard perfect view of Kilkenny’s prettiest village.
2. Tons of tours to take part in
You can’t come to Kilkenny and not take part in a unique tour to learn about our fascinating history while exploring the beauty of the Marble County.
Take to the waterways and discover Kilkenny from a new perspective. Join Roger from Riverbend Adventures for a city tour like never before! Follow the River Nore, choose from a relaxing paddle on the river in a double kayak or engage your core muscles on a stand-up paddleboarding and challenge your body and mind on a tour of the city. Pass by beloved Kilkenny landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle, Carnegie Library and the former site of the Smithwick’s brewery.
Saddle up and go for a bicycle ride with Kilkenny City Cycling Tours. If you’re just visiting Kilkenny for a short time, a cycling tour of medieval Kilkenny is the best way to discover all of our historical attractions in a fun, casual, yet educational way.
In our wonderful walkable city, there are numerous walking tours to choose from, run by extremely passionate locals who eat, sleep and breathe all things Kilkenny. Take a multi-lingual tour with Ormonde Language Tours, be mystified with an interactive magic tour with Shenanigans Walks, taste the best of Kilkenny food & drink with Kilkenny Food Tours or experience our national sport with Hurling Tours Ireland.
“Life is either a daring Adventure or Nothing.”
3. Escape to the countryside
Choose to swap city life for a peaceful countryside escape. Head North to Castlecomer and bask in the fresh air and stillness of the town. Overlooking the River Dinin, you will find a quiet sauna space run by La Rive Sauna. Head for a 45-minute contrast therapy session which will see you moving between the toasty sauna and chilling ice bath to help enhance recovery, boost circulation and refresh your mind and body.
Located just a stone’s throw from the serene sauna is the bustling activity centre at Castlecomer Discovery Park, where there is oodles of entertainment to be found around the winding trails. Soar through the skies on Ireland’s longest over-water zipline or be the audience on the water and observe all the action on a calm canoe excursion. Embrace your inner Legolas at the archery range or take on the beginners’ mountain biking trail, whatever tickles your fancy, there are tons of things to see and do across 80 acres of natural woodland.
4. Modern Markets
Nestled in the lush emerald countryside of South Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s favourite marketplaces. You may have seen Mountain View Markets on your Instagram feed and it is well worth a visit on your trip to Kilkenny! The family-run markets act as a beacon for sustainable food production as well as a celebration of flavour and low food miles. The destination draws visitors and vendors from all over Ireland to showcase artisanal, small-batch products and is a hub for social connections. The markets run every Sunday at 10am to 4pm from March – September and did we mention its dog friendly? Keep an eye on their socials for unique pop-up wellness and foodie events throughout the market season!
5. Explore the Medieval Mile
The Medieval Mile is a discovery trail that is bookended by the 13th-century St. Canice’s Cathedral on the hill and the iconic 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Follow the medieval walkway through the city’s historic heart and uncover narrow walkways such as The Butter Slip and The Market Slip. Along the way you will find the 17th-century restored merchants house, Rothe House & Gardens and the Medieval Mile Museum located in the former St. Mary’s Church. The Medieval Mile is the perfect way to discover the city